The duo enjoyed an incredible period of success together at Barcelona from 2008 to 2012 before Guardiola left Catalonia. Three La Liga titles, as well as two Champions League crowns and a treble in 2009, underline their incredible partnership.
Guardiola was quizzed on a range of topics, as part of an interview with Italian TV show Che Tempo, Che Fa, where he discussed Messi’s impact on the sport as he approaches the final years of his career.
Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi, love for life
“For me, it’s easy to say he’s the best of all time, but the stars came together at the right time. The GOAT? Maybe it’s a lack of respect for Pelé and Maradona, but for me it is. »
“I’ve never seen anyone like him as a coach, you can’t imagine him maintaining this continuity for 15 to 20 years. When you see him up close you think of Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan, we were lucky enough to work with him. »
Guardiola has also not given any information on his plans beyond the end of the 2024/25 season, with his contract expiring at Manchester City in June. The club want him to sign a renewal at the Etihad Stadium, with a two-year contract offer for the former Blaugrana coach, but will wait until 2025 to make a decision.
